A NORFOLK private school has submitted plans for a multi-million pound building project which will provide a new 15 classroom teaching block. Langley School, near Loddon, is seeking planning permission for the two-storey U-shaped building behind its existing science block as part of a 10-year development programme.

THE private Langley School near Loddon has submitted plans for a multi-million pound building project which will provide a new 15 classroom teaching block.

It is seeking planning permission for the two-storey U-shaped building behind its existing science block as part of a 10-year development programme.

Headteacher Dominic Findlay said the building would provide up-to-date teaching facilities for a growing number of pupils and create jobs for extra staff.

He said: “We are working very closely with South Norfolk Council and English Heritage to carry forward a 10-year development plan that we have put together with the governing body.

“Stage one has been completed and we will be opening a brand new all weather hockey pitch in June. Stage two is the new teaching block. The planning application has gone in and we are hoping that it is going to be ready for September 2010. This will be a 15 classroom teaching block which will include four brand new ICT suites and a new staff room.

“We are very keen to offer first-class facilities at the school and this will certainly move us a long way forward. It is a very exciting time for us.”

Mr Findlay said it was also hoped the project would create more jobs in the area.

“We currently employ 220 people and we would be bringing in more staff as there will be an expansion in the number of pupils,” he said. “We currently have 450 pupils and are looking for a staggered movement forward of pupil numbers over five years to around the mid 500 number.”

In documents submitted to South Norfolk Council architects LSI say that Langley School is poised to achieve growth in both day and boarding numbers.

“The school is embarking upon a 10-year development and rationalisation programme that will enable it to expand upon the successes of the past whilst developing enhanced teaching, sports and support facilities for a dynamic and forward looking establishment in the 21st century,” the planning statement states.

According to the document, projected admission numbers are set to rise to 515 by 2011 and it is anticipated that 20 additional positions would be created.